Mini Mackinac Island Trip Report

Question

Just catching people up on the ferry situation and the different place we stayed this trip.

With the Star Line Ferry issues, we arrived at Shepler's dock in Mackinaw City at 9AM on Friday. It was lightly raining and it looks like most people decided to hold off and see if it cleared up, Everyone was sitting on the lower level of the boat and it was less than half full.

The suites we like to book at the Chippewa Hotel were all booked when we were planning our trip so we tried something total new to us, Downtown Harbor Suites. There are 4 suites available on the 2nd floor of the building which houses Star Line's St. Ignace arrivals dock and Ryba's bike & fudge shops. It is managed through the Pontiac Lodge. They text you a key box code when your suite is ready, and you don't go to the Pontiac so I called to ask where to store luggage until the afternoon. It turned out that the rooms were already available and we went right to them (just a few steps from Shepler's dock) when we arrived at 9:30AM.

The suite was large, comfortable and well maintained. I had erroneously thought it had a balcony or deck, which it did not. That was disappointing but my own fault. The only thing we didn't care for was the noise from horns when boats started arriving or departing at 7AM. Unlikely the Chippewa where the suite bedrooms are in the interior of the hotel and get little outside noise, the bedroom was by the water and quite noisy. One morning a cruise ship docked in the early morning and sounded an extremely loud horn many times.

The noise and congestion would have been much worse if Star Line had been operating out of St. Ignace like normal.

Our living area had a great view of the arrivals and departures at Shepler's lot. With Star Line running almost no ferries (they shut down the rest on Monday), Shepler's is running every 15 minutes from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City and there was a constant stream of ships. There were a number of times when both spots were being used to load passengers and a third ferry was waiting to dock.

There were times during the day when people had to wait for a second or third ferry to be able to depart, which would have meant up to 45 minutes to leave the Island.

Our own departure was on Sunday morning and we departed a little after 10AM. We went right on the boat (the last people on this departure). The boat was mostly full, but there were empty seats.

When we arrived in Mackinaw City, the line was longer than the shelter where you wait to board, but it looked like almost everyone waiting would be accommodated by the boat we came in on.

There was light rain off and on through the weekend, but it didn't have major impact on our visit. Temperatures were mid 60s at night and low 70s for a high.

Answer

This recent mini trip to Mackinac Island offers a detailed perspective on accommodations, ferry operations, and weather during a late-season visit.

The traveler arrived at Shepler’s dock in Mackinaw City at 9AM on Friday, encountering light rain. Due to the weather and Star Line Ferry issues, the ferry was less than half full, with most passengers seated on the lower level. Many travelers had opted to delay their trips, waiting for clearer conditions.

For lodging, the usual preference for Chippewa Hotel suites was unavailable, so the Downtown Harbor Suites were chosen. Located just steps from Shepler's dock, these suites are managed through Pontiac Lodge, with key access provided via text. Upon arrival, the suites were ready, and luggage could be accessed immediately.

The suite itself was described as large, comfortable, and well-maintained. However, it lacked a balcony or deck, which was a minor disappointment. A notable downside was noise from boat horns early in the morning, especially when cruise ships docked. This contrasts with the Chippewa, where interior suites offer quieter accommodations.

Ferry operations were notably impacted due to Star Line running limited service. Shepler’s operated ferries every 15 minutes from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, resulting in a constant stream of ships. Some passengers had to wait for a second or third ferry, causing potential delays of up to 45 minutes.

Departure on Sunday morning was smooth, leaving a little after 10AM. The boat was mostly full, though there were empty seats, and the line in Mackinaw City was manageable despite exceeding the shelter capacity.

Weather over the weekend was mild with intermittent light rain, nighttime temperatures in the mid-60s, and daytime highs in the low 70s, which did not significantly affect activities.

Consider booking accommodations near the dock for convenience, but be aware of potential early morning noise from ferries and cruise ships.
Expect delays if Star Line or other ferry operators are running limited schedules; plan extra time for departures.
Weather in early September is generally mild but can include light rain, so pack accordingly.
Downtown Harbor Suites offers modern, self-check-in options and proximity to ferries, shops, and dining.

Overall, this trip demonstrates that early-season ferry issues can impact schedules, but careful lodging selection and awareness of local operations can ensure a pleasant visit. The experience was positive despite minor inconveniences, with comfortable accommodations and manageable travel logistics.